Research Associate

Research Associate

• Reports to: Research Coordinator
• Location: Lusaka, Zambia
• Desired start date: As soon as possible
• Deadline to apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), is an international non-profit research organization. Based in New Haven, CT, with offices in Washington, D.C. and worldwide, IPA works with development partners and academic researchers to create and evaluate approaches to solving development problems, to communicate “what works” in development, and to scale up successful projects in a variety of fields, including health, education, microfinance, governance, and agriculture. IPA has been in Zambia since 2010.

IPA is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual with outstanding project management, data analysis, people management, and communication skills as a Research Associate to support the implementation of a research project.

As an ideal candidate, you not only have a rock-solid technical foundation in impact evaluation methodology, but you can also independently guide and direct the activities that happen both upstream and downstream of any rigorous, randomized evaluation. You enjoy leading high-performing teams that drive the production of the highest quality research for our clients and partners. You excel in solving problems using clear, strategic, and creative thinking. You have a strong social acumen and are excited about the opportunity to broaden, deepen, and manage meaningful relationships with high-level clients and partners across the public and private sector.

We are looking for a minimum commitment period of two years for this position with a possibility for a longer-term position for exceptional candidates.

The Research Associate will perform a variety of tasks related to managing day-to-day research activities, from planning to implementation, and monitoring quality.

These include, but are not limited to:

•  Recruiting, training, and supervising field-based teams
• Managing 1-2 long term project staff
• Refining and piloting survey questionnaires
• Supervising and monitoring data collection to ensure high-quality of the data
• Running data quality checks and fixing issues with data collected during data collection
• Assisting in data cleaning and preliminary analysis and ensuring ready access to all data for researchers and/or supervisors
• Documenting in detail all activities related to the project
• Maintaining accurate records of interviews, safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects, as necessary
• Preparing high-quality progress and results reports to PIs, research partners, and funding agencies, and sharing them timely
• Providing timely updates and responses to partner organizations, and participating in meetings with key stakeholders
• Managing project finances including budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting
• Ensuring that all team members follow necessary protocols and procedures
• Handling day to day PI and partner communications

 

Qualifications;

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, or other quantitative social science disciplines (Master’s degree preferred)
• Quantitative Skills: Strong technical understanding of economics and econometrics required. Demonstrated proficiency in Stata, and experience with data management, data cleaning, and regression analysis
• A minimum of 1-year of work experience is required. Experience managing field staff in developing countries strongly preferred
• Excellent management and organizational skills; ability to successfully completing assigned tasks and meeting deadlines, required
• Communication Skills: Attention to detail and advanced writing and presentation skills are required
• Language: English fluency required

How to Apply:

Clearly Indicating the position you are applying for. Please send your CV with a cover letter to Human Resources ( [email protected]), or drop it at Innovations for Poverty Action offices situated at Plot No. 26 Mwambula Road, Jesmondine, Lusaka.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 27th October 2020. First CVs will be examined in priority.